DNV GL launches mobile solar test lab for India

DNV GL an independent energy advisory and certification body has launched its first mobile service for the on-site testing of PV modules across India.

The Solar Lab offers on-site flash test/I-V curve measurement and electroluminescence (EL) testing for client PV modules. These sorts of tests are usually conducted in stationary laboratory, which can include transportation risks, so the mobile lab aims in saving time and cost. It also provides post-delivery-pre-installation and post-installation quality assurance modules.

On-site testing makes it possible for the investors to sense transport related damage as the module arrives at the site which would otherwise not be possible, while operating projects, on-site measurements can assist in deciding the source of module performance issues.

DNV GL has stated in a release that “This will also be India’s first mobile PV testing lab to use an advanced A+/A+/A rated LED flasher that can conduct tests with lab-grade accuracy.”

Indian firm Mahindra Susten was the first company which introduced mobile solar lab to Indian Market in September 2017; it reported significant performance drops in many third-party PV projects.

The country has been lacking in test labs, since India introduced new standards for module testing, so the news will be welcomed by the Government.

Nicolas Renon, EVP, APAC at DNV G-Energy said “We predict in our 2018 Energy Transition Outlook that primary energy consumption of solar PV in India will increase from 0% in 2016 to 24% by 2050. The on-site Solar Lab will support the demands of the rapidly growing solar market, further empowering developers and financiers to identify secure solar investments and accelerate India’s energy transition.”

Major certification body The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recently recognized TUV Rheinland’s PV testing laboratory located in Bangalore, India, meaning the lab is now authorized to conduct testing of solar modules.